Distribution Associate 2nd Shift

Illinois Ag; Downers Grove, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

401k

Job summary

Illinois Ag is seeking a Distribution Associate in Downers Grove, IL to receive, store, pick, and ship finished products supporting production and warehouse operations.

You will operate forklifts, count inventory, and use SAP while maintaining 5S cleanliness and strict food safety standards in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2 years distribution/warehousing experience or equivalent.
• Experience operating forklifts and powered equipment.
• Ability to obtain lift truck licensing/certifications.
• Working knowledge of SAP and inventory systems.
• Strong attention to detail in inventory control, picking and shipping.
• Ability to read and execute shipping docs and pick lists.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to food safety and GMP practices.

Responsibilities

• Receive finished products from production and ensure accurate storage and handling.
• Safely operate stacker and other material handling equipment.
• Sort and organize products for storage and inventory control.
• Supply empty baskets to production lines and support flow.
• Stack cases and pallets, maintain production pace.
• Palletize and load outbound trucks with proper load security.
• Operate forklifts and other equipment; maintain certifications.
• Count inventory and move materials across the warehouse.
• Assist freezer, receiving, shipping and other warehouse tasks as needed.
• Utilize SAP and other systems for inventory transactions.
• Maintain 5S standards and safety compliance.
• Communicate issues and update boards daily.
• Perform other duties to support plant operations.

Skills

Forklift operation

Attention to detail

Reading shipping docs

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

2 years distribution/warehousing experience

Tools

SAP

Inventory systems

Job description

Since 1869 we've connected people through food they love. Our history was created by remarkable people, ideas, and innovations. It serves as inspiration and foundation for our future success. We’re proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell’s brand, as well as Michael Angelo’s, Pace, Pacific Foods, Prego, Rao’s Homemade, Swanson, and V8. In our Snacks division, we have brands like Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pepperidge Farm, Snack Factory, and Snyder’s of Hanover. We foster a culture of belonging where people come first, and diversity is embraced. And we live our values, always, while setting the highest standards for performance. Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and competitive team. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us.

Location: Downers Grove, Illinois

Pay Rate: $23.00/hour

Shift: 2nd Shift (Generally starts as early as 2:45 PM until finish. Overtime and weekend work as needed. Start times and hours may vary based on production schedules, holidays, and staffing needs.)

Requirement: Strong attendance and punctuality are essential. Employees must remain in position for a minimum of one year and successfully complete a 90-day evaluation period.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE HISTORY HERE

As a Distribution Associate, you will play a critical role in ensuring finished products are received, stored, picked, and shipped accurately and safely while supporting production and warehouse operations. Your attention to detail, commitment to food safety, and ability to operate material handling equipment will help ensure products reach customers on time and meet quality standards.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Receive finished products from production through automated stacking systems or manual stacking processes as needed.
• Safely operate stacker equipment and perform required lockout/tagout procedures.
• Sort and organize products by variety and production day for proper storage and inventory control.
• Supply empty baskets to production lines and support production flow.
• Manually stack cases and baskets while maintaining production line pace.
• Palletize finished products according to established stacking requirements.
• Operate various powered industrial equipment, including forklifts and lift trucks, and maintain required certifications.
• Pick orders using MOA numbers and accurately interpret pick lists.
• Load outbound trucks while meeting productivity standards and ensuring proper load security and identification.
• Accurately count inventory and move materials throughout the warehouse.
• Assist with freezer, receiving, shipping, and other warehouse operations as needed.
• Utilize SAP and other computer systems to support inventory transactions and operational processes.
• Maintain work areas in accordance with 5S standards, housekeeping expectations, and safety requirements.
• Follow all food safety, quality, GMP, HACCP, CTS, allergen control, lot traceability, and JSA requirements.
• Communicate operational issues effectively and update communication boards daily.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

• Production team members and line operators
• Warehouse, shipping, receiving, and freezer personnel
• Supervisors and plant leadership
• Transportation partners and truck drivers
• Food safety, quality assurance, and inventory control teams

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE (MUST HAVE)

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in distribution, shipping, receiving, warehousing, or material handling; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience operating forklifts and other powered industrial equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required lift truck licensing and certifications.
• Working knowledge of SAP and other computer-based inventory systems.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in inventory control, order picking, and shipping.
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute pick lists and shipping documentation.
• Strong decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to food safety, quality standards, regulatory compliance, and safe work practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform frequent walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, crouching, and reaching.
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds and push/pull heavy loads on wheeled equipment.
• Ability to work in environments with temperature extremes, industrial noise, moving equipment, forklift traffic, and wet conditions.
• Flexibility to work overtime and adapt to changing operational needs.

IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU HAVE (NICE TO HAVE)

• Experience in a food manufacturing or bakery environment.
• Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control processes.
• Experience with SAP inventory, shipping, and receiving transactions.
• Prior experience supporting freezer operations.
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout procedures and industrial safety practices.
• Previous experience working within GMP, HACCP, allergen control, and food quality programs.
• Experience meeting productivity standards in a high-volume distribution environment.
• Proven success maintaining 5S and continuous improvement standards.

Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and qualified applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, including consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.